If you’re trying to check your tax refund status using theIRS Where’s My Refund?tool or theIRS2Go appand receive the message:
“Information does not match. Please reenter your information.”
Don’t panic! This is a common issue that can often be resolved by verifying your details. However, in some cases, this message may indicate anidentity verification issuethat requires action on your part. Here’s everything you need to know to resolve it.
Why Am I Getting This Error?
The“Information Does Not Match”message appears when the IRS system cannot recognize the details you entered. This could be due to:
- Incorrect Tax Year Selection– Make sure you’ve selected the correct tax year in the dropdown menu. For 2024 returns, choose“2024 (Latest Tax Year).”
- Social Security Number (SSN) Mistakes– Double-check that you entered yourSSN exactly as it appears on your tax return.Even one incorrect digit will result in this error.
- Wrong Refund Amount– The refund amount must match exactly what is listed onLine 35aof yourForm 1040.If your refund was adjusted due to IRS corrections, use the updated amount instead of the original figure.
- E-Filing vs. Paper Filing Status– If you just filed, your return maynot be in the system yet.
- E-filed returns:Wait at least24-48 hoursafter acceptance before checking.
- Paper-filed returns:Processing takes4-6 weeks, so the refund tracker may not have your information yet.
- IRS Processing Schedule– TheIRS updates refund statuses once per day, typically overnight. If you check multiple times within the same day, your status won’t change.
Could This Be an Identity Verification Issue?
If you’veverified all of the above detailsand still receive the error message after several attempts over multiple days, you may have anidentity verification hold.
Signs of an Identity Verification Issue:
- Your refund statusnever updatesand remains stuck on this error.
- You filedearly in the tax seasonand still haven’t seen progress.
- The IRS may have flagged your return for potential fraud or identity theft.
What Should You Do?
Wait for an IRS Identity Verification Letter
- The IRS may mailLetter 5071C, 4883C, or 5747C, instructing you to verify your identity.
- If you receive this letter,follow the instructions carefullyto verify your return and identity.
Make Sure Your Address Is Up to Date
- If your mailing address has changed and the IRS does not have your current address, you may never receive the verification letter.
- To update your address with the IRS, submitForm 8822 (Change of Address)or call the IRS at1-800-829-1040.
Contact the IRS for Assistance
Ifyou don’t receive an identity verification letterbut continue seeing the error message:
- Call the IRS Identity Verification Lineat1-800-830-5084to check if your return is on hold.
- If you can’t verify online, you may need to visit aTaxpayer Assistance Center (TAC)in person.
How to Fix the “Information Does Not Match” Error
If you’re seeing this error, follow these steps to resolve it:
Double-Check Your Information
Before trying again, make sure:
You selected the correcttax year(2024 for the latest returns).
YourSSNis entered correctly.
You used theexact refund amountfromLine 35aof your 1040.
Wait for the IRS to Process Your Return
- If you e-filed, wait at least24-48 hoursafter receiving an acceptance confirmation.
- If you paper-filed, wait4-6 weeksbefore checking Where’s My Refund.
Try Again Using a Different Device or Browser
If the issue persists, try:
Clearing your browser cache/cookies
Switching to a different browser(Chrome, Edge, Safari, etc.)
Using a desktop computer instead of a phone
Checking the IRS2Go app instead of the website
Contact the IRS for Assistance
If more than21 dayshave passed since your e-file was accepted (or 6 weeks for paper filers) and you’re still getting this error:
Call the IRS Refund Hotline:1-800-829-1954
Visit the IRS website:www.irs.gov/refunds
The“Information Does Not Match”error onWhere’s My Refund?can be frustrating, but it’s often a simple issue with incorrect details or processing delays. However, if the issuepersists for weeks, it could mean your refund is on hold due toidentity verification.
Have you encountered this issue?Let us know in the comments how you fixed it!
